sluggish hammers on spinet

[Ron Nossaman]

>I've never before encountered a spinet (in this case a 1963 W****T***) with 
>all hammers so sluggish that moving them toward the strings by hand results 
>in many floating back to rest & many at the extreme ends just staying at the 
>string.  Protek on hammer flanges showed little or no result; key bushings 
>are not binding; strengthening return springs also had little effect.  Piano 
>was not played or tuned for about 10 years. Any suggestions - aside from 
>replacing it with a decent piano? (owner says it really has a beautiful tone, 
>of course).
>
>Is it just a combination of factors: poorly weighted keys, weak springs, 
>nonuse, etc.?
>
>Thanks for any suggestions.
>
>Bruce

Hi Bruce,
A Dampp Chaser won't do you any good at all, except in enhancing your
income, and lubricating the action with silicone/naptha or Protek will
probably help, but also probably won't eliminate the problem. It seems to
depend on the phase of the moon, or the condition of the elastic in your
socks. In addition to lubrication,  about the only thing I've found that
works reliably is to back weight the keys to counteract (counterweight (not
correct)) the design problem. Jiffy leads work quite nicely, in a kill or
cure sort of way, and will restore some semblance of reasonably dependable
function when nothing else I've tried will. You don't necessarily need to
wear gloves when handling the lead weights, but wash up immediately
afterwards, and don't rub your eyes or pick your nose during the process.

Safety first.


Ron N